The Army presented about 600 members of the Vermont National Guard with a unit award Sunday for “extraordinary heroism in military operators against an armed energy.” The day was extra special for a medic who also received a Bronze Star for valor.

The 21 guardsmen and women are part of the Guard’s quick reaction force and were some of the first to respond after Irene. They must be ready at any time to be activated for service.

Wednesday night, the 21 members of the 40th Army Band were in the spotlight. They held a concert inside Representatives Hall at the Statehouse and were awarded the medals for their service during the August 2011 storm.

“We had people that were on duty for a little as one day up to 12 days,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Myers.

Myers, a 34-year veteran of the Guard, is also a retired music teacher and the band’s leader. Other band members work civilian jobs as the Guard is a primarily volunteer force.

“I think one of the most important jobs we have is to provide assistance to our neighbors in need,” he said. “I was overwhelmed by the devastation of that storm.”

Myers said his unit first was deployed to Randolph, Vt., to help with high-water rescues. They then helped distribute FEMA supplies, did security work and performed traffic control, among other duties.

It was a different atmosphere at Wednesday’s concert in a room reserved for lawmakers. There were no gaveled sessions or debates, but rather a chance for the performers to show off their talents.

“It should lend a flavor to you that when we look at a guard member it's a community member,” said Col. Michael Heston, Vermont’s deputy adjutant general. “It's a talent that they have.”

Whether on a musical instrument or in the field, these guard members proved they are in tune with stepping up for the community during one of Vermont’s darkest weeks.

“I think a lot of folks who saw it on TV were isolated from the true devastation that we saw,” Myers said. “Having an opportunity to go out and meet with people and provide some sort of assistance was an incredible, incredible experience.”

Wednesday’s concert kicked off the Farmer’s Night series, a weekly program at the Statehouse that runs through the end of the legislative session.